Scientists capture the first real-time video of an new embryo forming

Scientists have captured the first instance of an early stage embryo forming, which could help solve the 'mystery' of how congenital birth defects start in humans.

Australian researchers watched in amazement as the cells of a quail embryo crawled around its protein-based support structure — organizing themselves into the earliest form of the heart and the first phase of its spine and brain, called the 'neural tube.'

An innovative technique using fluorescent protein was employed to illuminate these cells within the tiny embryo, as the team recorded its early moments taking shape.

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